Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare: what to compare
Understand the differences in providers, drug coverage and supplemental insurance.
Two ways to receive Medicare benefits
Original Medicare includes Part A and Part B. You can add a separate Part D drug plan and may choose supplemental coverage such as Medigap. Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved private-plan alternative for receiving Part A and Part B benefits; many plans include Part D.
Compare access to care
With Original Medicare, you can generally use providers that accept Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may use provider networks and different referral or authorization rules. Confirm your doctors and hospitals in the specific plan before enrolling.
Compare medicines and costs
Review your prescriptions under the drug coverage you would use with each option. Compare premiums, deductibles and your share of services in the current plan documents. Do not assume that a low premium means your overall costs will be lower.
Medigap is not Medicare Advantage
Medigap supplements Original Medicare. It is not a Medicare Advantage plan, and you cannot use Medigap to pay Medicare Advantage costs. Before changing coverage, check your eligibility for supplemental insurance and when your new coverage would start.
Official sources
Talk through your options
General educational information, not a recommendation for your individual situation. Gerberg Financial & Insurance Agency, LLC · California License #0D83407.
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